Phil Veal goal proves little consolation for Bridgwater Town after 3-1 defeat

Abingdon United 3, Bridgwater Town 1

IN several games this season, Bridgwater have not got the points they deserved but this could not be said from Saturday's match, writes Eddie Robinson.

An unchanged Bridgwater side made a sluggish start but came to life on six minutes when a fierce shot from Phil Veal stung the hands of Abingdon keeper Durrant.

The danger signs were there though for Town after midfielders were caught in possession and Abingdon broke quickly on the break but the home side were unable to take their chances.

Those warnings were not heeded and the home took the lead after a counter attack on 21 minutes saw Self in acres of space and he lobbed the onrushing Luke Purnell.

It should have been 2-0 from the penalty spot moments later but Purnell saved well after Bradley Middleton had tripped Self in the box.

Although Bridgwater had good possession they could not deliver in the final third.

The home side doubled the lead just before half-time and then skipper Chris McGrath left the field with an injury to be replaced by Tim Legg.

But on 48 minutes, a Joe McClennan long cross found defender Phil Veal and he netted to score his first Town goal.

It looked as though Bridgwater's pressure would see an equaliser on the cards but a third goal for Abingdon ruined these hopes.

Substitute winger Knowle was given far too much space from a goal kick and ran towards the Bridgwater box before squaring the ball to Tucker to score into the bottom corner.

The home side were content to sit back for the rest of the match and despite Bridgwater piling on the pressure they were unable to create any chances.

Team: Purnell, P Veal, Middleton, McGrath (Legg 46), Thomas, Fitzpatrick, Mountford, Vance, McClennan (Merceica 77), Pearse (MacNabb 65), C Veal Subs unused: Viney, Simpson.